The 'Black Man' statue in Brixen

A mysterious and awe-inspiring figure has survived the centuries on the corner of the arcades Kleine and Große Lauben. The wooden statue is thought to have been installed on the first floor of the building in the late 16th century and has been referred to as the “Black Man” ever since. Its three heads looking down at the three alleys of the Old Town are shrouded in legend: just like multi-headed Cerberus guarded the entrance to the underworld in Greek mythology, the figure continues to watch over the hustle and bustle that has always characterised this part of the town.

Interesting details

Children used to be told that the “Black Man” would spit gold coins when church bells rang on Good Friday – the irony being that bells are silenced on that day. This building used to house the “Schwarzer Adler” town inn. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart stayed the night with his father while on his journey to Italy and may have felt the creeping shudder as well when he first saw the monstrous statue.